Ilya Protas is one of the Washington Capitals’ newest young sensations. The franchise picked the 19-year-old forward in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, and in July of that year, Protas signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team.
After playing for the Hershey Bears in the AHL, Protas made his NHL debut on April 8 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his first game, he was able to make one assist, helping his team to a 4-0 victory.
Ilya Protas is not alone in the Washington Capitals, as his older brother, Aliaksei Protas, is also a member of the team. They both played on the same attacking line and even helped each other score several critical goals. Interestingly, Ilya has a fantastic opportunity to play with legendary NHL player Alex Ovechkin, who is the Capitals’ current captain.
Born and raised in Belarus, Ilya Protas is from a family that prioritized hockey over all else. This prompted him to pursue the game and eventually build a reputation for himself with his outstanding hockey IQ, playmaking, size, and offensive instincts.
He broke out in the OHL, scoring 124 points in a single season (2024-25). From there, he went on to become the leading rookie scorer in the AHL, earning him an early NHL call-up.
Protas plays a modern, high-skilled, and fast-paced style, which has helped him become a big offensive weapon for whatever team he represents. The Washington Capitals are presently fourth in the Metropolitan Division, with 95 points from 82 games.
How did Ilya Protas and His Brother React to his NHL Call-up?
It is always a goal for hockey players to receive an NHL call-up that will change their lives. Even Ilya Protas was taken aback when he received the message regarding his call-up by the Washington Capitals. According to Russian Machine Never Breaks, Ilya said:
“If you had told me that in childhood, I would just hang up the phone. Like, ‘No, it’s spam or something.’”
Even his brother, Aliaksei Protas, was surprised and delighted when he learned of his younger brother’s call-up. He explained:
“He called, a video, but I was with my daughter, so I couldn’t respond. And I’m like, ‘I’m going to call later.’ He texted me, ‘I got called up,’ so I answered right away. Hard to believe it right now, to be honest. Looking to the side (at him on the ice), looking in the gym, camp is one thing, but right now, seeing him get a chance to have a debut tomorrow, maybe, it’s an unbelievable feeling. Just trying to stay focused right now, but it’s a surreal feeling.”
The two of them are now practicing with each other to help their team succeed in the postseason.
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